James W Howell, Margaret Jane Newby, Rita Carlene Thompson, Larry Spotts, Jason “Jay” Elmo Butcher

James W. Howell

James W. Howell, age 89, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born to the late Ivan and Evelyn Howell on April 24, 1936, in Kokomo, Indiana.

James retired from Chrysler after 30 years of employment as a machine operator. He was a member of the UAW #685. James loved to sing and play the guitar. He also enjoyed fishing and watching football.

James is survived by his wife of over 60 years Phyllis; daughter Rachelle (James) Gibson; grandson Nick (Molly) Jeffries; great-grandson Miles Jeffries; and his sister Janet.

Preceding in death are his parents; brother Denny; two sisters Jerry and Patty; granddaughter Keira; and two great-granddaughters Layla Kay and Georgie Renee.

There will be a graveside service for James on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, Ind.

Margaret Jane Newby

Margaret Jane Newby, 88, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at her home. She was born on November 17, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Joseph and Bessie (Dixon) Miller. On May 1, 1955, she married Daniel Newby at Southside Christian Church, and he preceded her in death on March 24, 2000.

Margaret graduated from Kokomo High School in 1954. She retired after 21 years from General Motors working as a Financial Secretary. Margaret enjoyed card club and golfing. She loved watching sports like I.U, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Kokomo Wildkats. Margaret even watched the first game at Memorial Gym in 1949. She loved her family very dearly and will be missed by many.

Margaret is survived by her children Debra “Suzanne” Newby, Marcia (Marty) Foye, and Beth (Tim) Nordman; grandchildren Madison Foye, Mackenzie (Khoi) Nguyen, and Greyson Nordman; great-grandchildren Damian Nguyen, Michael Nguyen, and Azelia Nguyen; and many nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.

Along with her husband of 44 years Daniel Newby, Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Charles & Bessie Miller.

A funeral service celebrating Margaret’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, with Pastor Aaron Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Guardian Angel Hospice. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Rita Carlene Thompson

Rita Carlene Thompson, 76, of Galveston, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, August 28, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born September 9, 1948, in Kokomo to William Chester and Betty Marie (Calveard) Spencer. She married William R. Thompson Jr. on April 14, 1995, in Kokomo, and he survives.

Rita started her career at the Continental Steel Credit Union, which became Kokomo Heritage Credit Union. She retired with over 45 years of service as assistant manager. She was a graduate of the Indiana Business College and member of the American Legions Auxiliary Post #6 in Kokomo and the 40 & 8 Auxiliary. She enjoyed cruises and trips to the casino. She also enjoyed crafting and adding appliques on sweatshirts. She was a member of the GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) Chapter, and she and Will were awarded State District Couple of the Year.

Surviving family include her loving husband Will Thompson of Galveston and daughter Lori (Keck) Tucker of Kokomo. She is also survived by stepdaughter Brandi (Michael) Esslinger. Her grandchildren include Kinsey (Dan) Wirtz, Carley (Dustin) Croft, Courtney Thompson, Cadan McClure, and Brailyn (Ronaldo) Zeas. Her great-grandchildren include Ellie, Myles, Christopher, Dorothy, Dolly, Cash, Ava, Caleb Jr., Aiden, Ayla, Gia, Grace, and Aria. She is also survived by one sister Diana Hipps and her fur baby Makala. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Kathy Spencer.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at United in Faith Church in Galveston with Rev. Dr. Bruce Coats officiating. Burial will follow in Galveston Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family prior to services from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion to support our troops. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Larry Spotts

Larry Spotts, 87, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:45 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2025, at his home. He was born on January 18, 1938, in Sacramento, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Marlin and Marie (Coleman) Spotts. On November 1, 1958, he married Betty Howlett in Ipswich, England, and she survives.

Larry was a 1955 graduate of Hubley High School in Pennsylvania. He worked as a licensed A&P in the Air Force for 22 years and retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant. Larry then moved with his family to Kokomo in 1977 to work for Northrop Grumman Corporation for the next 15 years. Larry was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and Kiwanis and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. He also enjoyed traveling the world with his wife.

Along with his wife Betty, he is survived by his children Rick Spotts, Tammy (Steve) Middleton, and Tracy (Douglas) Stout; grandchildren Samantha Middleton, Jason (Alison) Hargraves, Justin Hargraves, and Zachary Stout; great-grandchildren Peyten Hargraves and Royce Hargraves; and brother Ralph (Beth) Spotts.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Marlin and Marie Spotts; aunt and uncle who raised him Russell and Mary Koppenhaver; sister Judy Shanabaugh; brothers-in-law Peter (Sheila) Howlett and Freddie (Pearl) Howlett; paternal grandparents Edgar and Laura Spotts; and maternal grandparents Amanda and Homer Coleman.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, with Rev. Paulette Stahlke officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to the time of the service on September 10, 2025, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christ Lutheran Church in Kokomo. Stout & Son Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com.

Jason “Jay” Elmo Butcher

Jason “Jay” Elmo Butcher, 53, of Greentown, passed away at 6:45 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on September 4, 1971, in Kokomo, the son of Larry Butcher and Linda (Haines) Martin.

Jay was a 1990 graduate of Eastern High School. He previously worked at Davis Trucking, where he enjoyed working with Hugh Gibson. His early days of employment centered around automobile parts and repairs. He had a knack for working on vehicles and lawn mowers. Jay would always lend a hand to anyone who needed his expertise to fix something. He was the kind of person that would help you out in any situation. Jay would always lead the way to help out a friend, family, or a complete stranger. He will be dearly missed by everyone that was on the receiving end of his kindness. Jay enjoyed fishing and spending time with his close friends. All of "The Boys," close friends, and family he shared his life with loved him for the man he was.

He is survived by his mother Linda (Russell) Martin; brother B.J. Butcher; aunts Sharon Blankenbaker and Janice (Alan) Voorhis; uncles Jerry (Ann) Haines and Jack (Robbin) Haines; and several cousins.

Jason was preceded in death by his father Larry Elmo Butcher; half-brother Mark Butcher; uncle John Butcher; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

A celebration of life for Jason will take place at a later date. Hasler-Stout Funeral Homes has been entrusted with cremation.